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The Mafia's Seamstress
I finally had my avô’s seamstress shop all to myself. It was going to be a quiet holiday season of sewing beautiful designs for clients.
Then he walked in.
My avô always said my attitude would get me in trouble one day. Apparently the head of the Italian mafia has a thing for bossy brunettes who like to put men in their place.
And it turns out my family and the mafia go way back. They were suppose to remain a secret from me.
Now that I know the truth it changes everything.
Then he walked in.
My avô always said my attitude would get me in trouble one day. Apparently the head of the Italian mafia has a thing for bossy brunettes who like to put men in their place.
And it turns out my family and the mafia go way back. They were suppose to remain a secret from me.
Now that I know the truth it changes everything.
- GenresDark RomanceRomance
118 pages, Paperback
Published August 1, 2024
35 people are currently reading
173 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
July 15, 2024
ARC REVIEW
It was really good and I wish it was longer. I loved the characters and the relationship between the couple. Lucia character is so amazing. I love how strong and self assured she is. She doesn’t let anyone walk over her and I respect that. I love how well she connected with mmcs and her connection to the people in her town. A lot of people don’t always have strong fmcs in mafia romances so I love that this one has it. There were a couple grammar mistakes but other than that it was a really great read. I can’t wait for the continuation of this story in a more fuller book.
It was really good and I wish it was longer. I loved the characters and the relationship between the couple. Lucia character is so amazing. I love how strong and self assured she is. She doesn’t let anyone walk over her and I respect that. I love how well she connected with mmcs and her connection to the people in her town. A lot of people don’t always have strong fmcs in mafia romances so I love that this one has it. There were a couple grammar mistakes but other than that it was a really great read. I can’t wait for the continuation of this story in a more fuller book.
July 14, 2024
ARC REVIEW
"The Mafia's Seamstress" by Isabel Catrina is a captivating novella that immerses readers in a world of dark romance and dangerous liaisons. This story expertly combines the allure of the mafia with a heartfelt romance, creating an engaging and intense read.
The novella follows the life of a talented seamstress who finds herself entangled with a powerful mafia figure. The chemistry between the protagonists is electric, and their relationship is fraught with tension, danger, and passion. Isabel Catrina's writing vividly brings to life the gritty, high-stakes world of organized crime juxtaposed beautifully with the delicate art of seamstressing.
Despite its brevity, "The Mafia's Seamstress" packs a punch with well-developed characters and a plot that keeps you on the edge. The heroine's resilience and the hero's complex nature make their romance both believable and compelling.
I thoroughly enjoyed "The Mafia's Seamstress." It's a perfect pick for anyone looking for a quick yet intense dive into the world of dark mafia romance. Isabel Catrina crafted a thrilling and romantic novella, making it highly recommended.
"The Mafia's Seamstress" by Isabel Catrina is a captivating novella that immerses readers in a world of dark romance and dangerous liaisons. This story expertly combines the allure of the mafia with a heartfelt romance, creating an engaging and intense read.
The novella follows the life of a talented seamstress who finds herself entangled with a powerful mafia figure. The chemistry between the protagonists is electric, and their relationship is fraught with tension, danger, and passion. Isabel Catrina's writing vividly brings to life the gritty, high-stakes world of organized crime juxtaposed beautifully with the delicate art of seamstressing.
Despite its brevity, "The Mafia's Seamstress" packs a punch with well-developed characters and a plot that keeps you on the edge. The heroine's resilience and the hero's complex nature make their romance both believable and compelling.
I thoroughly enjoyed "The Mafia's Seamstress." It's a perfect pick for anyone looking for a quick yet intense dive into the world of dark mafia romance. Isabel Catrina crafted a thrilling and romantic novella, making it highly recommended.
July 7, 2024
Thank you to the author for this arc,
Lucia is a seamstress at her grandfathers shop, when he is away on business she’s left in charge, all these men are walking in and out of her shop knowing who she is but she doesn’t know them and Lucia is starting to realize that her grandfather might be involved in the mafia. The more she hangs around Dante who’s part of the Costa mafia she realizes there’s a lot of secrets about her family she doesn’t know. On top of that not only is she attracted to Dante she is also attracted to his cousin Luca.
This book is so good and I need more! Didn’t expect it to be the beginning of a why choose romance, I love how Dante and Luca both look after Lucia. Lucia is a bad bitch and isn’t afraid to put men in their place. I don’t know if this story will be continued but I hope so. My only critique is that I wish it was longer 😭😭😭 (me being selfish lol) it’s always the shortest stories that pack a punch and for 148 pages this book left me wanting more.
Tropes
Forced proximity
Why choose-ish
Mafia
Portuguese FMC
Lucia is a seamstress at her grandfathers shop, when he is away on business she’s left in charge, all these men are walking in and out of her shop knowing who she is but she doesn’t know them and Lucia is starting to realize that her grandfather might be involved in the mafia. The more she hangs around Dante who’s part of the Costa mafia she realizes there’s a lot of secrets about her family she doesn’t know. On top of that not only is she attracted to Dante she is also attracted to his cousin Luca.
This book is so good and I need more! Didn’t expect it to be the beginning of a why choose romance, I love how Dante and Luca both look after Lucia. Lucia is a bad bitch and isn’t afraid to put men in their place. I don’t know if this story will be continued but I hope so. My only critique is that I wish it was longer 😭😭😭 (me being selfish lol) it’s always the shortest stories that pack a punch and for 148 pages this book left me wanting more.
Tropes
Forced proximity
Why choose-ish
Mafia
Portuguese FMC
August 30, 2024
3★ - Cute little novella, I had fun reading this. What I love about Isabel is that she writes the trigger warnings, spicy chapters and the spotify playlist right at the beginning of the book!♡
Aside from a few editing lapses, it was a quick read. The protagonist is a strong and courageous woman, it never hurts to be portrayed that way. It just felt slightly "weird" as it's my first time reading mafia romance, and I'm Italian :') but still, I enjoyed it nonetheless!
Aside from a few editing lapses, it was a quick read. The protagonist is a strong and courageous woman, it never hurts to be portrayed that way. It just felt slightly "weird" as it's my first time reading mafia romance, and I'm Italian :') but still, I enjoyed it nonetheless!
July 20, 2024
ARC review
I really enjoyed reading this book. I was looking forward for the release of the arc because I had been following the author on instagram since the second teaser she posted. This book definitely met the expectations instagram created for me. The only thing that would have made it better is if it was longer. I can already not wait for the next one that I hope will eventually come.
I really enjoyed reading this book. I was looking forward for the release of the arc because I had been following the author on instagram since the second teaser she posted. This book definitely met the expectations instagram created for me. The only thing that would have made it better is if it was longer. I can already not wait for the next one that I hope will eventually come.
July 24, 2024
I was looking forward to this book and I was super happy when I got the ARC. It was so promising. But it just wasn’t my cup of tea.
The idea behind the story is really good. But I think it failed due to the execution. The story wasn’t logical or realistic at all (even for a book). It just wasn’t believable. And I wasn’t a fan of the writing style. I also found the female lead to be incredibly annoying, but I did like the heroes.
I don’t think I will continue the series, but I hope that someone else will love this book.
The idea behind the story is really good. But I think it failed due to the execution. The story wasn’t logical or realistic at all (even for a book). It just wasn’t believable. And I wasn’t a fan of the writing style. I also found the female lead to be incredibly annoying, but I did like the heroes.
I don’t think I will continue the series, but I hope that someone else will love this book.
August 20, 2024
4.5⭐️
You kiss her if she says yes to that dipshit. We may be criminals but we ask for consent.”
Lucia is a seamstress who dreams of one day taking over her family business. When her avô goes out of town, her world is turned upside down when she learns he is a tailor for the mafia.
Enter Dante and Luca— Cousin’s and mafia men who both set their sites on Lucia. Dante is the head of the mafia, looks like he will unalive you but secretly is a softee who loves that Lucia isn’t scared of him. Luca is blonde with blue eyes and looks playful but the man is unhinged. 😂 Lucia is a lucky lady because these two like sharing. 😈
Secrets unfold and by the end I was like when is the next book coming!!!
🖤 Portuguese FMC
🖤Workplace Romance
🖤Banter
🖤Spice
🖤Hidden Identity
🖤Forced Proximity
🖤Beginning of Why Choose Romance
🖤Novella
**Arc given exchange for honest review**
You kiss her if she says yes to that dipshit. We may be criminals but we ask for consent.”
Lucia is a seamstress who dreams of one day taking over her family business. When her avô goes out of town, her world is turned upside down when she learns he is a tailor for the mafia.
Enter Dante and Luca— Cousin’s and mafia men who both set their sites on Lucia. Dante is the head of the mafia, looks like he will unalive you but secretly is a softee who loves that Lucia isn’t scared of him. Luca is blonde with blue eyes and looks playful but the man is unhinged. 😂 Lucia is a lucky lady because these two like sharing. 😈
Secrets unfold and by the end I was like when is the next book coming!!!
🖤 Portuguese FMC
🖤Workplace Romance
🖤Banter
🖤Spice
🖤Hidden Identity
🖤Forced Proximity
🖤Beginning of Why Choose Romance
🖤Novella
**Arc given exchange for honest review**
July 12, 2024
This book was given to me as an advanced copy. The book is the first of its series and comes out on August 1, 2024. 4/5 stars and 3/5 Spice level.
This book was created from 80 narrative videos on tiktok.
This is a fast paced book that is easy to read. I enjoyed the banter between all the characters. They are open door scenes. Please check the warning at the front of the book before reading. While the men have a dark side I don't think that this is a dark romance yet. The following books that the author has teased have room to grow truly dark.
The FMC is strong, stubborn and confident in her seamstress work.
So when the MMC walks in and disrespects her, he can't believe how she responds to him. He is the current Mafia boss. He is dark, moody, guarded and dangerous.
Throughout the book the FMC is learning more and more about her family business and trying to sort her feelings for not one but two male cousins that she knows for facts are in the Mafia. They both give off touch and die vibes
The second MC is flirty, sweet and upfront about his feelings.
There is banter from the FMC who demands respect no matter the man.
I can't wait to see what you think of this book. I also can't wait for more of this story!
This book was created from 80 narrative videos on tiktok.
This is a fast paced book that is easy to read. I enjoyed the banter between all the characters. They are open door scenes. Please check the warning at the front of the book before reading. While the men have a dark side I don't think that this is a dark romance yet. The following books that the author has teased have room to grow truly dark.
The FMC is strong, stubborn and confident in her seamstress work.
So when the MMC walks in and disrespects her, he can't believe how she responds to him. He is the current Mafia boss. He is dark, moody, guarded and dangerous.
Throughout the book the FMC is learning more and more about her family business and trying to sort her feelings for not one but two male cousins that she knows for facts are in the Mafia. They both give off touch and die vibes
The second MC is flirty, sweet and upfront about his feelings.
There is banter from the FMC who demands respect no matter the man.
I can't wait to see what you think of this book. I also can't wait for more of this story!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 24, 2024
So I have had this story on my reading list for ages, waiting for it to be released. So imagine my disappointment when I realized how “meeeeh” this story really was…
It started off quite interesting. The FMC is a seamstress to the mafia, literally what the title says. She meets the head of the Italian mafia and has to make a suit for him for an upcoming event. Still interesting…
But then there’s the MMCs cousin. Both the MMC and his cousin get infatuated with the FMC. The MMC gets there first. But the cousins soon joins.
Like I did not sign up for this… I wanted a mafia romance story, instead I felt we got a poly thing instead… really not my thing.
And then we have some drama thrown in when the FMC discovers that her grandpa is doing business with the mob, and also was a part of a mob once.
Let’s talk about the writing! I feel like the author did not manage to capture the “depth”. I didn’t feel what the characters were feeling. I felt like their emotions together with everything else was just lying on the surface of this book. So I felt like this story was written by an amateur… literally no depth at all!!
So I’m giving this 2/5 stars ⭐️
It started off quite interesting. The FMC is a seamstress to the mafia, literally what the title says. She meets the head of the Italian mafia and has to make a suit for him for an upcoming event. Still interesting…
But then there’s the MMCs cousin. Both the MMC and his cousin get infatuated with the FMC. The MMC gets there first. But the cousins soon joins.
Like I did not sign up for this… I wanted a mafia romance story, instead I felt we got a poly thing instead… really not my thing.
And then we have some drama thrown in when the FMC discovers that her grandpa is doing business with the mob, and also was a part of a mob once.
Let’s talk about the writing! I feel like the author did not manage to capture the “depth”. I didn’t feel what the characters were feeling. I felt like their emotions together with everything else was just lying on the surface of this book. So I felt like this story was written by an amateur… literally no depth at all!!
So I’m giving this 2/5 stars ⭐️
June 1, 2025
I loved Lucia's sassy personality and how she handled the news about her grandfather's affiliation with the mafia. Her banter with Dante was top tier and the tension between them had me clutching my pearls. But the way that Luca was a calming influence and different than his cousin was like you know what, heck yesss!
The spice? Hotttt. The way that Lucia and Dante both liked being in control... Sheesh. And both men provided Lucia with aftercare that had me jealously flipping through the pages.
The buildup to the end was a bit rushed and the book could have been a bit longer. There was the secondary plot of Lucia finding out about her grandfather and the mafia. I liked how badass she was, refusing to be a damsel in distress and tries to deal with a rival family and their threats alongside Dante and his family.
A really good book though :)
The spice? Hotttt. The way that Lucia and Dante both liked being in control... Sheesh. And both men provided Lucia with aftercare that had me jealously flipping through the pages.
The buildup to the end was a bit rushed and the book could have been a bit longer. There was the secondary plot of Lucia finding out about her grandfather and the mafia. I liked how badass she was, refusing to be a damsel in distress and tries to deal with a rival family and their threats alongside Dante and his family.
A really good book though :)
July 10, 2024
Quick, dirty, and enticing, to say I DEVOURED this book is an understatement.
The dynamic between the main characters is addictive. Lucia takes shit from no one and is a kickass FMC. Dante is the sexy brooding bad boy who has a soft spot for said FMC. And Luca is the swoon worthy comedic relief.
Isabel Catrina has turned her tiktok skit into the building blocks of empire with this intro novella. I can't wait to see how this world evolves and the story that unfolds for these characters.
If you're looking to get into reading mafia romance this book is the perfect way to dip your toes in.
The dynamic between the main characters is addictive. Lucia takes shit from no one and is a kickass FMC. Dante is the sexy brooding bad boy who has a soft spot for said FMC. And Luca is the swoon worthy comedic relief.
Isabel Catrina has turned her tiktok skit into the building blocks of empire with this intro novella. I can't wait to see how this world evolves and the story that unfolds for these characters.
If you're looking to get into reading mafia romance this book is the perfect way to dip your toes in.
August 2, 2024
I missed the tiktok videos that lead to this novella, but I was excited when I saw the ARC sign up. I think the idea and concept were good, but a lot felt rushed and forced. I'm also all for a badass FMC, but idk how i felt about Lucia overall. The banter was fun though btw her and Luca and Dante. I feel like it was a fun toe dip into a darker world with the Mafia world she's created. I think it could be expanded on if the author continues it as a series as it has been teased. The beginning of the why choose also just felt really disjointed, so idk if it's bc it was a shorter book or what. Thank you to the author for the ARC.
August 14, 2024
I’ve been awaiting the release of this book since Isabel teased it on TikTok. It’s everything I expected and more. Lucia is a badass female lead who loves her culture and is inspired by her avo. The guys of course are morally gray, Dante and Luca. They’re double the trouble but it’s nothing our FMC can’t handle. Their banter is everything to me. Their conversations, just everything is chefs kiss. I’ve had the privilege of reading all of Isabel’s works and they’re all so amazing. Thank you for the arc and for trusting me to read your baby!
October 29, 2024
4.50 ⭐️// wow! this novella was so good & wrapped things up in a timely manner but i still want more!
Lucia was such a strong FMC and knew what she wanted and how to take it. i loved how she never backed down and stood up for herself in every situation.
Dante is the dark brooding type but is actually a softy for the FMC. While Luca is the swoon worthy. They both can have my attention 😉 but they both had a different type of attraction/connection to Lucia.
This was a fast paced fun read! a few typos but overall a great time!
Lucia was such a strong FMC and knew what she wanted and how to take it. i loved how she never backed down and stood up for herself in every situation.
Dante is the dark brooding type but is actually a softy for the FMC. While Luca is the swoon worthy. They both can have my attention 😉 but they both had a different type of attraction/connection to Lucia.
This was a fast paced fun read! a few typos but overall a great time!
July 12, 2024
OMG, I started following along when it was a booktok and I can only say it did not disappoint. I was so excited when I found out it was going to be a real book and not just a plot, and getting the copy today was the highlight of my day!! Luca and Dante are exactly how I pictured them and I am so sad I already finished it. It was devoured in one sitting and left no crumbs!!
But like how am I supposed to wait for the next on😭😭😭
But like how am I supposed to wait for the next on😭😭😭
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 20, 2024
I’ve wanted this book to be published since I started watching the videos on TikTok.
Truthfully the book was written amazingly. The character building and showing different side to each one of them without being overly dramatic was just perfect. We’re given multiple sides of each person and feel connected in one way or another with each of them.
My favorite will definitely be the FMC Lucia. The strength shown from the beginning and the continuity of the strength was just incredible.
Truthfully the book was written amazingly. The character building and showing different side to each one of them without being overly dramatic was just perfect. We’re given multiple sides of each person and feel connected in one way or another with each of them.
My favorite will definitely be the FMC Lucia. The strength shown from the beginning and the continuity of the strength was just incredible.
July 31, 2024
Thank you so much for this ARC! 🖤
Don't let Lucia fool you like she fooled me. You think she's all "head down and follow directions" kinda girl and then BAM: complete badass! This novella was a great introduction to this series, seeing as Lucia ends in a position that was completely unexpected for me! And the spice?! 🫠 I can't wait for the next book!
🖤 Portuguese FMC
🖤 Workplace Romance
🖤 Black Cat x Grump
🖤 Hidden Identity
🖤 Forced Proximity
🖤 Novella
🖤 Why Choose
Don't let Lucia fool you like she fooled me. You think she's all "head down and follow directions" kinda girl and then BAM: complete badass! This novella was a great introduction to this series, seeing as Lucia ends in a position that was completely unexpected for me! And the spice?! 🫠 I can't wait for the next book!
🖤 Portuguese FMC
🖤 Workplace Romance
🖤 Black Cat x Grump
🖤 Hidden Identity
🖤 Forced Proximity
🖤 Novella
🖤 Why Choose
August 8, 2024
After finishing i can say for sure the begining is rough but it gets incredibly better.
My opinion stands that the portuguese bits could be better, specially the spelling mistakes (idk at least they were coesive? The words were always written the same way lol), and by the description it took me a long time to understand she was talking about bolo de bolacha but that might have been just me. 😂
I'm stoked to read what comes next since the plot is right up my alley and it's incredible to see some portuguese representation in books like these. 🇵🇹
My opinion stands that the portuguese bits could be better, specially the spelling mistakes (idk at least they were coesive? The words were always written the same way lol), and by the description it took me a long time to understand she was talking about bolo de bolacha but that might have been just me. 😂
I'm stoked to read what comes next since the plot is right up my alley and it's incredible to see some portuguese representation in books like these. 🇵🇹
December 5, 2024
Short little novella, more than the "not so secret, secret" and that out of place ending which if i remember correctly was sort of a cliffhanger giving space for another book, I really liked the banter between the protagonist, although at some moments I was debating on whom was the real MC, for a moment i thought I had picked up a three-way romance. Overall a good book, wish it was longer cause it fell rushed at some parts.
August 22, 2024
ARC REVIEW, In all honesty I was in a massive slump due to another series and picking this book up genuinely mended it. I loved it so much, I wanted there to be more… I can’t wait to see where she goes, I can’t wait to see the potential it can reach, and the fact that it’s already a 5 stars for me is crazy.
March 7, 2025
I’m not sure if it’s all the grammar mistakes or the writing style, but I had a hard time reading this. I really wanted to like it. I saw the TikTok’s of it and loved the story idea, but didn’t like it on paper. I just didn’t feel like I got to know the characters. Every character read the same and some things felt like they were tossed in without a plan
July 6, 2024
So first off, when I received the arc of this I gasped so loud in public that I choked on air. I’d been waiting for it since the very first TikTok
This book did not disappoint. I was giggling almost the entire time and when I wasn’t, I was held in suspense desperate to know what would happen next
This book did not disappoint. I was giggling almost the entire time and when I wasn’t, I was held in suspense desperate to know what would happen next
July 7, 2024
I kept expecting more and this book gave just enough. Wished that it was a bit longer, but I am here for it! Just enough spice to plot and not to dark. But I do think the darker the better! I do hope the 2nd book will be spicer…
August 24, 2024
One of the best mafia romance books. I loved the way the female character was portrayed. The book was funny, but a few grammatical mistakes. It was really interesting and worth reading. I can't wait for the second book.
July 13, 2024
It was blessed to receive this arc and I enjoyed this book and I am intrigued for the rest of the story.
August 2, 2024
Other than some editing issues, this book was everything I was hoping it would be. Totally lived up to the hype! I can’t wait for the next instalment. Love a strong FMC!
August 18, 2024
I loved it!
August 18, 2024
Perfect novella to set up the series!
September 1, 2024
ARC REVIEW
Wasn't bad, Wasn't good either.
It's definitely a good quick read if you want something that's, 'straight to the point and plot'
Wasn't bad, Wasn't good either.
It's definitely a good quick read if you want something that's, 'straight to the point and plot'
September 16, 2024
OK premise and base for a series. Definitely needs more editing.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews